South Dakota has activated its state Drought Task Force, and the group will hold a meeting Thursday (May 7, 2026).
Last week’s (April 28, 2026) U.S. Drought Monitor for South Dakota shows moderate to extreme drought present throughout the lower third of South Dakota with abnormally dry conditions across central parts of the state. In northern South Dakota, counties are in normal condition for this time of year.
The state Drought Task Force will coordinate the exchange of drought-related information among government agencies and partners to assess potential impacts on agriculture, fire management and water-supplies. The collaboration is designed to effectively:
- monitor drought conditions,
- assess drought severity,
- evaluate impacts, and
- review available drought-response resources.
State agencies represented on the Drought Task Force include the:
- Governor’s Office,
- Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources,
- Department of Public Safety,
- Department of Game, Fish and Parks,
- South Dakota National Guard,
- Department of Social Services,
- Department of Tourism, and the
- Department of Tribal Relations.
Additional partners include:
- USDA’s Farm Service Agency and Natural Resource Conservation Service,
- South Dakota State University Extension and School of Mines climatologists,
- the National Weather Service, and
- South Dakota Rural Water.
Courtesy infographic.
Courtesy infographic.
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